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Since being held ransom in order to regain access to my files I have implemented a deep and comprehensive backup plan. But the fear still haunts me; say I get infected with a virus that can encrypt files on my HD, how am I to plan ahead for this? I'm guessing the answer is include file versioning in my backup plan, which is something I already do. But what if the virus stays dormant until it becomes a part of all file versions (assuming they are time based)?
Usually those kind of viruses would aim at your hard disk content, and hopefully not your external HDD content. You can have offsite backup which the virus can't touch, unless somehow you backed up the encrypted content. – Darius – 2013-10-05T08:23:48.970
Another suggestion: You can use a linux distribution for your important files/data. I'm not saying it's 100% impenetrable, but it's LESS LIKELY to be targeted and to execute such a virus. You have some tips about an encryption virus at http://malwaretips.com/blogs/everything-on-your-computer-has-been-fully-encrypted-virus/ and at http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-everything-on-your-computer-has-been-encrypted
– Savvas Radevic – 2013-10-05T08:27:13.417What does it matter what the virus aims at? If it aims at my hard disc content and find a way in, it could become eventually a part of my backup with me knowing... – CarrotFile – 2013-10-05T10:04:14.590